History in the making!

Just over a week ago, I received a really stunning email. It read:

“Congratulations, you have been selected to attend the NASA Tweetup on July 7-8 for space shuttle Atlantis' targeted launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida!”

I was in total shock, considering the sheer number of applicants (estimated 5,500+) to attend this amazing and historic event. Imagine not only being able to experience the launch from the press site (in the shadow of the VAB with the famous countdown clock front and center), but receiving a behind the scenes tour of the Kennedy Space Center and the opportunity to speak with shuttle technicians, engineers, astronauts and managers. In fact, I am still trying to process the fact that I will have one of the best seats for the final launch. It is just unbelievable no matter how many times I re-read the email.

A little less than 3 weeks from now, I will be representing “almost rocket science” and all human spaceflight supporters at this amazing event. I will be able to meet the 149 other spacetweeps selected to share in this wonderful opportunity. I am also excited to hopefully meet some of our podcast guests personally; Jen Scheer and Dr. Lucy Rogers. I can’t wait to hear from the people have worked so hard these 30+ years to make the Space Shuttle program a reality. 

It will be a dream come true. I have always loved space and for all my memorable life the space shuttle has been in existence. I grew up watching launches in elementary school and beyond. It won’t be my first launch (attended STS-131 as NASA Education guest), but being at the historic last launch and flight it is a humbling privilege. It will no doubt be a bittersweet moment as it will mark the end of an era. It has been said there may be as many as a million people present on the space coast to watch the launch from nearby viewpoints.

Since it is a tweetup, I will be tweeting a LOT on our @almostrocketsci account leading up to and during the event itself. I will also try and record some of the sights and sounds to include a recap podcast. We will be releasing a podcast to help those who have never seen a launch or attended a tweetup in the days ahead. Keep checking back here to keep up with details and the NASA homepage for mission updates.

Thanks for joining me throughout this wonderful experience.

Geoff of almost rocket science